Dec 29, 2008
Posted by Seamus Whooley on Dec 29, 2008 in | 0 comments
As the old Swahili saying goes “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors’ .
Well 2009 would seem as if it might present some choppy waters. A perfect storm as more than one guru has described it.
However we remain optimistic particularly when we see the huge amount of “value” emanating from the Spanish golf courses and many hotels. This value is being injected into our Golf packages every time we make a proposal. The reaction by the Spanish courses can best be described as Better late than never!. In contrast the Algarve continues to increase its prices – the mind boggles.
Some more great news
Las Brisas
Real club de Golf Las Brisas, one of Spain’s most iconic courses had decided to throw open its wonderful course in Marbella for 8 months of the year. Up to now it was virtually a no-go area for visiting golfers and if available the price was exorbitant. Now this top class Robert Trent Jones designed course has invited a select number of Tour Operators to market their visitor tee-times, including Golf Experience / GolfinSpainnow.
We will have a heavily discounted rate of €120 throughout 2009.
Santana Golf Club is even better value in 2009.
Santana, having already frozen its 2008 prices have now juggled around with the seasons in a way that reduces their green-fees during a considerable number of extra weeks of the year.
Gran Flamingos see even more light!
Following their hugely successful two for one offer in the low season the powers to be at Flamingos Golf have decided that they will continue to drive traffic with this great price offer.
Golf Experience is offering a round on this great new course for €65 in high season. Twelve months ago it was priced at €130.
Lorcrimar Hotel Puerto Banus
We are delighted to include this new 3 star Puerto Banus property in our 2009 packages.
It offers great rates, a great location and golfer friendly atmosphere.
Dec 12, 2008
Posted by Seamus Whooley on Dec 12, 2008 in | 1 comment
Steaming hot Rory McIlory enters World’s top 50 and it looks as if 2009 will see a steady climbing in his rankings.
Despite his play-off defeat in the Hong Kong Open, teenager Rory McIlory from Holywood Co. Down has still made it into the world’s top 50 for the first time. This is an incredible achievement by Rory as he has only been a professional for 14 months.
The World’s Top 50 players receive automatic invitations to The Masters next April and who would bet against Rory being in the “shake up” when the first major of 2009 reaches its conclusion.
Dec 5, 2008
Posted by Seamus Whooley on Dec 5, 2008 in | 1 comment
Do you remember Harrington’s stupendous shot from 249 yards that landed just three feet from the pin at the 17th hole of the Open Championship? The shot that set up an eagle putt to secure a four shot victory in a brilliant defence of the Claret Jug claimed yet another honour.
The 37 year old Dubliner, who was two strokes clear of the field at the time, closed the door on his playing partner, Greg Norman of Australia and England’s Ian Poulter, who was already in the clubhouse on 287. Harrington finished with a round of 69 for a 72 hole total of 283.
He said: “On the 17th, I hit my five wood off the tee and hit it really solid. It was good to hit the fairway. I had 220 yards to the front of the green and 249 yards to the pin. The five wood is my favourite club and I knew I could make birdie if I hit that club.
“I was anxious that Greg could make eagle going down there, and if I laid up and I made par, all of a sudden it was very close. I wasn’t so much worried about the guy that was two holes ahead of me and finished (Ian Poulter). I was worried if I laid up and made par, I was giving Greg a great chance to get within one shot of me, and one shot is not comfortable in any shape or form going down the 18th.
“So I wanted to take it on although there was obviously trouble on the right and left. A low shot, I felt, was always going to be an advantage. So I used the down slope in my favour and the ball came out nice and low. Once I hit it, it was perfect. It’s one of the few times I think I’ve ever heard my caddie say good shot to me before the ball is finished. Normally he waits until the ball has actually stopped before he says anything.
“Obviously he was comfortable with what we had taken, but it was a worrying shot. It was a real bonus to finish three feet away. I would have been quite happy with it on the green and take my chances with two putts. Once it was three feet away I made sure I holed it. You can’t have enough of a lead going down the 18th in a Major.”
The European Tour Shot of the Month Award is presented to the Tour Member for the shot judged to be the most outstanding played during each calendar month on The European Tour International Schedule. The winning shots from each month are entered into The European Tour Shot of the Year Award.
Nov 25, 2008
Posted by Seamus Whooley on Nov 25, 2008 in | 0 comments
Monte Mayor
Monte Mayor has become the latest in a string of courses to reduce their 2009 rates. This world famous course has extended its low season when a green-fee including buggy will cost only €49 to Golf Experience Clients.
At this price Monte Mayor is really great value, even if you have spent a few Euros on balls! As they say up there – “you need balls to play Monte Mayor”!
Alanda Homes – Co-Sponsor www.golfinspainnow.com and www.golfexperience.net
Alanda Homes, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Irish PLC “McInerney Homes” has renewed its co-sponsorship agreement of our websites for 2009. Alanda Homes is a perfect Real Estate Partner as it is currently marketing a range of prestigious property developments on some of the Costa Del Sols most sought after golf courses. These include Flamingos Golf, Santana, La Cala and Finca Cortesin. For more details juts click on the Alanda Homes Logo on www.golfinspainnow.com
So if you are tempted by the idea of owning property on one of the Costa del Sol’s best golf courses take a look at the Alanda site. They are also offering inspection trips from The UK and Ireland.
Nov 18, 2008
Posted by Seamus Whooley on Nov 18, 2008 in , Golf News | 0 comments
Flamingos & Santana Price drop for 2009
Further examples of increasing value on the Costa del Sol is the decision of Santana to reverse a price increase announced a few months ago for 2009. They have now decided to hold prices at the 2008 rates. A wise decision.
Special Offer to Golf Experience Clients from Gran Flamingos
Flamingos have announced a range of value added packages and price cuts which sees the new Gran Flamingos price almost halved for 2009. In addition they have a new “Combo” rate for golfers who play both Flamingos Golf & Gran Flamingos. For €150 you can enjoy both these great courses throughout the high season on 2009.
Buggy prices have also been dropped for Golf Experience clients.
Valderrama may host a new major tournament in 2009
Colin Montgomery on Valderramas 17th Hole
While the Volvo Masters has bid farewell to Valderrama we hear that Valderrama may yet hold a major tournament in 2009 at the same time as the Volvo Masters. If this materialises this would mean that Andalucia will host at least 3 major tournaments in 2009, the Andalucia Open at Aloha, the Volvo World Match-play at Finca Cortesin and a new tournament at Valderrama. Andalucia may also host the Spanish Open as it did in 2008 in Seville.
La Cala Rebrand its 3 courses
La Cala have re-names its 3 courses alter 3 continents as follows:
La Cala South becomes Asia Course
La Cala North becomes America Course
La Cala New becomes Europe Course
Security on Courses
We would warn golfers to take particular care of personal belongings when playing strange courses. Unfortunately from time to time we hear of wallets being stolen from golf bags during a game of golf.
Inevitably this happens to visitors who are unaware of the vulnerable areas on strange courses when their bags can be unsighted for the short time required for the deed to occur. So please, use common sense when it comes to personal belongings on a golf course.
